Underwater protective system to inhibit marine growth

ABSTRACT

A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of being wrapped around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of a propeller and gathered so as to substantially surround the propeller. A fastening member such as a clamp or clip is affixed to the flexible material for maintaining the flexible material in the gathered state. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the fastening member and a free second end. The link is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material is gathered about the propeller and maintained in place with the fastening member, the free end of the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (such as to the transom or deck of the boat, or to a dock against which the boat is tied) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat. The link and fastening member are constructed and arranged wherein a tug on the link by the user releases the gathered flexible material permitting the retrieval of the link, and the fastening member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field

This invention relates generally to marine equipment protective devices, and more particularly to a protective cover for propellers, transducers and other underwater components to protect against marine growth.

B. Description of Related Art

Underwater components, particularly propellers and connected propeller shafts, transducers and the like, are susceptible to the development of marine growth when submerged in sea water. Such growth can include barnacles, sea grass, slime, etc. (collectively referred to has “marine growth”). Marine growth that attaches to propellers remains attached even when the propeller turns to propel the boat at typical cruising speeds. Marine growth can significantly reduce the efficiency of the boat's propulsion system. Accordingly, countermeasures to ameliorate marine growth attaching to propellers have been proposed.

These countermeasures can take a variety of forms. One is to hire a diver to scrub and clean the propeller at regular intervals, or in advance of a voyage. Another is to apply an antifouling paint to the propeller. The art has further developed a variety of protective devices that are designed to cover or protect marine propulsion apparatus while in the water. Such protective devices are described in the patent literature, and include Sloan, U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,374; Pearce, U.S. Pat. No. 3,587,508; Crepeau, U.S. Pat. No. 6,916,217; Morton, U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,064; and Borrelli, U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,220. Other patents of interest include Ojeda, U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,399; Newman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,461; Doelcher, U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,193 and Lobrovich, U.S. Pat. No. 7,244,154.

The present protective system of this disclosure is considered an improvement over the devices shown in these patents in that it is particularly suitable for propellers, transducers and other underwater components that are submerged substantially below the waterline (e.g., as in most medium and larger sailboats and power boats due the installation of inboard diesel or gas engines) yet can be readily released by the user/boat owner from above the water before their trip, without requiring a diver to release the protective system. The solutions proposed for example by the Sloan and Crepeau patents, cited above, are applicable to outdrives of inboard/outboard motors or outboards where the propeller itself is either able to be raised out of the water or otherwise is readily accessible. However, they are not suitable for propellers for inboard engines in which the propeller is typically several feet (or more) below the surface of the water. These designs, if adapted for such a propeller, would require a diver to disengage the cover from the propeller. None of the designs of the prior art address the problems of fouling of propellers of larger vessels in which the propeller is submerged substantially below the waterline, or provide an effective protective system for such a vessel which can be readily released by the user from a position on deck, without requiring the services of a diver.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an underwater protective system for installation on the propeller of a boat is provided. The system is designed to inhibit marine growth on the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of being wrapped around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of a propeller and gathered so as to substantially surround the propeller. A fastening member, e.g., clamp, clip, snap, Velcro®, or other fastening device, is affixed to the flexible material and is used for maintaining the flexible material in the gathered state, e.g., by clamping the flexible material about the propeller. The system further includes a link (such a piece of line, webbing or a wand) having one end attached to at least one of the fastening member and the flexible material. The link is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material is gathered about the propeller and maintained in place with the fastening member, the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (such as to the transom or deck of the boat, or to a dock against which the boat is tied) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat. The link and fastening member are constructed and arranged wherein a tug on the link by the user releases the gathered flexible material from the propeller, permitting the retrieval of the line, and the fastening member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller for later reuse or disposal without requiring the aid of a diver.

In another aspect, a method of inhibiting marine growth on a propeller of a boat is described. The method includes steps of: while the boat is in water, wrapping a flexible material around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of the propeller and gathering the material so that the material substantially surrounds the propeller; maintaining the flexible material in the gathered state with the aid of a fastening member; and leading a link having one end attached to at least one of the fastening member and the flexible material to a location at or above the waterline of the boat wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat. The link and fastening member are constructed and arranged wherein a tug on the link by the user releases the gathered flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, and the fastening member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller.

In another aspect, a kit is disclosed comprising a set of the underwater protective systems as recited above designed to fit different size propellers. For example, the kit may include a first portion in which the flexible material is relatively reduced surface area such that the material is designed to fit propellers having a diameter under 20 inches. A second portion of the kit includes flexible material of a larger surface area is designed to fit propellers having a diameter of at least 20 inches. A diver offers a service of fitting boats in a marina with the protective systems of this disclosure and will include in the kit a multitude of such underwater protective systems of different sizes to fit sailboats and smaller powerboats of various sizes and propeller diameters (e.g., 12 inch to 18 inch), pleasure power boats with larger size propellers (e.g., with propeller diameters from 16 to 36 inches), and larger commercial vessels (e.g., with propellers from 36 to say 50 inches in diameter). The diver (or customer/boat owner) may trim excess material from the flexible material to obtain a more customized fit of the protective material to the propeller, taking into consideration such factors as the number of blades to the propeller, and the diameter of the propeller.

The underwater protective devices of this disclosure may optionally include a second flexible material or cover adapted to surround an underwater component of the boat remote from the propeller (e.g., a depth transducer, knot wheel, etc.) and a second link extending from the second flexible material to a location at or above the waterline of the boat where the second link can be retrieved by the user.

In one configuration, the protective system is manufactured and sold as a unit comprising the flexible material, attached clamping member, and the link. Alternatively, the system is sold as the flexible material and the attached fastening member along with instructions for the purchaser to obtain a suitable length of line or webbing and attach one end to the fastening member and lead the other end to a convenient location above the water line such as the transom, deck, or nearby slip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the protective system of this disclosure installed on the propeller of a boat having an inboard engine, submerged several feet below the waterline of the boat, with the link extending into the cockpit of the boat. FIG. 1 also shows a protective cover for an underwater component (e.g., depth transducer) and a second link extending from the protective cover for the component to the cockpit.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the flexible material of the protective system gathered about the propeller of FIG. 1, and clamped or otherwise held in place about the propeller with fastening member such as a clamp, clip or other device.

FIG. 3 is a further more detailed view of the clamp of FIG. 2 and the first end of the link extending through the level arms of the clamp.

FIG. 4 is plan view of the protective system of FIGS. 1-3 prior to installation on the propeller, showing a clamp affixed to the flexible material and the link.

FIG. 4A shows the steps involved of installing the protective system of FIG. 4 on a propeller.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the protective system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a more detailed view of one embodiment of the clamp of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the protective system of this disclosure installed on the propeller of a fin-keel type sail boat.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the protective system of this disclosure installed on a propeller of a commercial fishing boat.

FIGS. 9A-9C are illustration of three embodiments of a protective system for an underwater component such as a depth transducer.

FIG. 10 is an alternative configuration for a protective cover made from a flexible material adapted to protect underwater components such a depth transducers from marine growth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The protective system of this disclosure is designed to prevent or inhibit marine growth from attaching to propellers of vessels. The protective system is particularly useful for propellers of inboard engines of marine vessels of all types, in which the propeller is both fixed and submerged substantially below the waterline of the vessel and therefore relatively inaccessible from above the water (e.g., from a dinghy, a dock or the transom of the vessel). It could also be used on inboard-outboard propellers or outboards that are not adapted to pivot out of the water.

The protective system includes a flexible material that is gathered about the propeller and clamped in place with a fastening member, such as a clamp, Velcro™, snaps, clip, a pin, a hook, a slip knot, or other suitable fastening device. In preferred embodiments the fastening member is made from a plastic or other material which contains no metal. A link, e.g., length of light line, webbing or a rigid strut or wand such as a piece of wood, has one end which is attached to the fastening member and/or the flexible material and a second free end which is led to a position above the waterline of the vessel where it can be readily retrieved by the user of the boat. When the user is ready to remove the protective system, they give a tug on the link and that action releases the gathering of the flexible material, allowing the fastening member and flexible material to be removed as a unit from the propeller and retrieved for later re-use, cleaning or disposal.

The flexible material serves to inhibit marine growth in at least two ways. First, it provides a barrier preventing barnacle larvae from reaching the propeller. Secondly, it shades the propeller from the sun thereby inhibiting growth of grass or slime on the blades of the propeller. The flexible material need not be wrapped perfectly tightly about the propeller, and indeed a loose fitting of the flexible material about the propeller is sufficient and promotes easy and reliable release of the protective system by the user from a position above the waterline.

For most boats, the system of this disclosure is typically installed on the propeller by a diver (which could be the owner if they are willing to get wet or have suitable dive equipment). However, a diver is not needed to remove the protective system. It can be immediately removed by simply pulling on the link.

The protective system will now be described with reference to the appended Figures, which show representative and non-limiting examples of how the protective system can be constructed and installed on a variety of vessels.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a protective system 10 installed on the propeller 12 of a boat 14 having an inboard engine (not shown), in which the propeller is submerged several feet below the waterline 16 of the boat 14. The protective system includes a flexible material 20 which is gathered around and about the front and rear surfaces of the propeller 12. A fastening member, which in one preferred embodiment is a clamp 22 (see FIGS. 3-6) is attached or affixed to the flexible material 20 and clamps the material so that the material is maintained in the gathered condition. The fastening member is preferably metal-free (e.g., made of a plastic or fiberglass material) so as to avoid corrosion in a salt water environment. A link 24 (e.g., line or webbing) has one end thereof 26 (FIG. 3, 4) attached to the clamp 22 and a free second end 26. The link 24 is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material 20 is gathered about the propeller 12 and clamped with the fastening member (clamp 22), the free end 26 of the link 24 extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat, e.g., in the cockpit of the boat as shown in FIG. 1 or tied to a slip adjacent to the boat.

To remove the protective system, the user grasps the free end 26 of the link 24 and gives it at tug. This action releases the material 20 from the clamp 22. By pulling in on the link 24 the user then retrieves the material 20 and clamp 22 as a unit from the propeller and brings it on deck for cleaning and stowage or disposal. This action is done by the user from the cockpit or the adjacent slip, without the user getting wet. No diver is required to remove the protective system 10.

In an embodiment in which the fastening member 22 is in the form of snaps or Velcro, for example, the invention works in a similar fashion. The fastening member is sufficient to hold the flexible material gathered around the propeller. The end of the link may be attached to the fastening member, or alternatively it may be attached to the flexible material directly.

FIG. 1 also shows a second protective cover 30 for an underwater component (e.g., depth transducer 32) and a second link 34 extending from the protective cover 30 such that the free end 36 is in the cockpit, on deck or tied to an adjacent slip. This embodiment may optionally use an elastic band to retain the cover 30 on the fitting 32, or the cover may be secured by means of gathering the material forming the cover about the fitting and clamping it in place with a clamp, in which case the end of the link 34 is attached to the clamp. In either situation, the cover is removed by the user simply by tugging on the link 34 and pulling the cover into the cockpit for cleaning and stowage or for disposal.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed view of the flexible material 20 of the protective system 10 gathered about the blades 12A, 12B and 12C of the propeller 12 of FIG. 1, and maintained in place with the clamp 22 or other suitable fastening member such as a clip or snaps. The manner or technique by which the material 20 is gathered about the blades of the propeller and maintained in place so that the material surrounds both the front and rear surfaces of the propeller is not critical. The material can be gathered on the side of the propeller proximate to the propeller shaft, outboard of the propeller (where a zinc anode would be typically placed for a boat immersed in salt water), proximate to one of the blades, or between the blades. The point of gathering can be on the “top” of the propeller (i.e., the point closest to the water surface), or to the side or even on the “bottom” of the propeller. In FIG. 2 the gathering is indicated by the folds or creases 40 in the material.

FIG. 3 is a further more detailed view of the clamp 22 of FIG. 2 and the first end 26 of the link 24. In this embodiment, the clamp 22 takes the form of a C-shaped clamp (a clamp or clip of this type for paper is suitable) having a spring-like clamping element 50 and pairs of lever arms 52 attached to the clamping element 50 that are used to expand the C-shaped clamping element to allow the clamp to fasten to the gathered material, whereupon the lever arms are released. The end 26 of the link 24 is led through the lever arms 52 and tied in a knot (e.g., bowline). When the link 24 is pulled, this action pulls the clamp 22 off of the gathered material held by the clamp. The material 20 then can be pulled free from the propeller. Thus, hauling in the link 24 allows the clamp 22 and attached material 20 to be removed as a unit from the propeller and retrieved for cleaning and later re-use, or for disposal.

Suitable materials from the flexible material 20 include plastic sheeting, canvas, Sunbrella and other synthetic fabrics, as well as materials specifically adapted for receiving antifouling paints such as Hypalon (chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber), Hypalon coated nylon, and PVC-coated nylon. In one embodiment, the flexible material is coated with antifouling paint.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the protective system of FIGS. 1-3 prior to installation on the propeller of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 shows the system in a perspective view. The flexible material includes two rectangular panels 60 and 62 of approximately the same size, with two adjacent edges joined by a seam as indicated at 64 and 66 and having open sides 68 and 70, forming a quasi tent-like structure. At one corner of the material 20 a clamp 22 is attached to both panels 60 and 62. In the example of the paper clip-like C-clamp 22 as shown in FIG. 6, the clamp 22 is disassembled, four holes are made in the material (two on each panel 60 and 62) and then the free ends 70 and 72 of the lever arms are inserted into the holes and then assembled into the corresponding receiving structures 74 and 76 of the clamp 22. In this manner, the lever arms 52 protrude from the exterior surface of the material 20 but the clamping element is on the inside of the panels 60 and 62 as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 4. The end 26 of the link 24 is tied off to one, or more preferably both, of the lever arms 52 and the length of the link 24 trimmed so that it has sufficient length to extend from the propeller to a convenient position above the waterline, e.g., to the deck or cockpit of the boat or a slip adjacent to the boat.

The length L (FIG. 5) and the width W of the panels 60 and 62 will of course vary depending on the size of the propeller that the system is going to be installed on. For example, for a three-blade propeller of 16 inches in diameter the panels may have a length L of 30-40 inches and a width W of 12-16 inches.

It will be noted that while in the embodiment of FIG. 4 the two panels 60 and 62 are joined by seams 64 and 66, this is not essential, and a single rectangular panel of material can be folded in half length-wise and only seam 64 added to join one edge to form the structure of FIG. 4. Still other configurations for the flexible material are possible, including oval or circular shapes. Continuous, bag-like shapes are less preferred since they would be difficult to remove without the aid of a diver. However, such shapes might be used if provisions are made for extraction of the material without difficulty, such as providing slits in the material, or gathering the material and clamping it at several locations, with each location being provided with an attached clamp 22 and associated retrieval link 24.

FIG. 4A shows the installation of the protective system on a propeller 12. The cover 20 is installed over one of the blades 12A so that the blade is placed within the two panels 60 and 21 as shown in the upper view. The user then essentially wraps or gathers the material 20 about the other two blades as indicated by the arrows so that they are placed within the panels 60 and 62 and the edge 68 is brought around to the edge 64 to thereby wrap up the propeller as shown in the lower view. The fastening member 22 is then affixed to the material (typically where the edges 64 and 68 meet) to maintain the flexible material 20 in the gathered state. The fastening member is shown as a ratchet-type clamp in FIG. 4A. The free end of the link 24 is tied to one or both of the arms of the fastening member 22. The fastening member is attached to the flexible material 20 in any suitable manner. When the user pulls the link 24, the jaws of the fastening member release from the material 20 and allow the material 20, fastening member 22 and link 24 to be retrieved for later reuse or disposal.

As noted above, the protective system of this disclosure is suitable for use with a variety of different configurations of propellers and different boats. FIG. 7 is an illustration of the protective system 10 of this disclosure installed on the propeller of a fin-keel type sail boat. FIG. 8 is an illustration of the protective system of this disclosure installed on a propeller of a deep draft commercial fishing boat having a four bladed propeller five or six feet below the water line.

FIG. 9A shows the protective cover for an underwater component such as a depth transducer in the form of a flexible material 30 (FIG. 1) in the form of a pouch or bag having an elastic band 80 about its rim to hold onto the component and prevent it from falling off. The link 34 (line or webbing) is lead to a position on the deck of the boat as shown in FIG. 1. The link has one end thereof fastened to a fastening member such as a ring 22. FIG. 9B shows an alternative embodiment with the ring 22 located in the middle of a bottom panel of the cover. FIG. 9C shows another embodiment in which the bottom panel includes a solid reinforcement 32 to prevent barnacle larvae from penetrating the cover and the fastening member is in the form of two holes/grommets 35 formed in the cover 30. The user leads the link through the holes 35 and ties off the end of the link in a knot. In FIG. 10, the cover 30 is in the form of a rectangular or irregular shaped material having a clamp 22A or other suitable fastening member attached to the material 30 (as described above for FIG. 4), and a line 34 tied off to the lever arms of the clamp and lead to a position on deck or in the cockpit. In the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10, the user tugs on the free end of the link 34 from the convenience of the deck or cockpit to remove the cover 30 from the underwater metal fitting. The link 34 is preferably tied to the bottom or corner of the cover 30 so that it will release when pulled from above.

While the link 24 is shown in the Figures as a length of line, it could also take the form of webbing or a rigid member, e.g., a wood, plastic or fiberglass wand. One end of the rigid member is tied or otherwise affixed to the clamp and the free end led or tied off at the transom or adjacent slip.

In one configuration, the protective system is manufactured and sold as a unit comprising the flexible material, attached clamping member, and the link. Alternatively, the system is sold as the flexible material and the attached fastening member along with printed instructions for the purchaser to obtain a suitable length of line or webbing and attach one end to the fastening member and or flexible material and lead the other end to a convenient location above the water line such as the transom, deck, or nearby slip.

The following clauses are offered as further descriptions of the disclosed invention.

1. A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller 12 of a boat, the boat having a waterline, the propeller having blades with front and rear surfaces, comprising:

a flexible material 20 sized and shaped so as to be capable of being wrapped around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of the propeller and gathered so as to substantially surround propeller;

a fastening member 22 (e.g., clamp, clip, Velcro™, snaps, pin, or other suitable fastener) affixed to the flexible material (FIG. 4) for maintaining the flexible material in the gathered state (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3); and

a link 24 having one end attached to at least one of the fastening member and the flexible material, the link having sufficient length such that when the flexible material is gathered about the propeller and maintained in place with the fastening member, the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (e.g., the deck, transom or cockpit) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat;

wherein the link and fastening member are constructed and arranged (FIGS. 1-8) wherein a tug on the link by the user releases gathered flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, and the attached fastening member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.

2. The system of clause 1, wherein the link 24 comprises a flexible line and wherein the flexible line is of sufficient length to extend from the fastening member to a position on the deck of the boat (FIG. 1, 7, 8).

3. The system of clause 1, wherein the link 24 comprises a length of webbing and wherein the webbing is of sufficient length to extend from the flexible material to a position on the deck of the boat.

4. The system of clause 1, wherein the link comprises a rigid member (e.g. wood, plastic or fiberglass) of sufficient length to extend from the flexible material to a position substantially above the waterline of the boat.

5. The system of clause 1, wherein the flexible material 20 comprises a material specifically designed and suited for application of antifouling paint (e.g., Hypalon).

6. The system of clause 1, further comprising antifouling paint applied to the flexible material.

7. The system of clause 1, wherein the flexible material comprises first and second opposed rectangular panels 60, 62 of material each and first and second adjacent edges (FIG. 4), the first and second adjacent edges being joined together; and

wherein the first and second rectangular panels comprises a corner portion and wherein the fastening member is affixed to the corner portion (FIG. 4).

8. The system of clause 1, wherein the fastening member comprises a C-shaped clamp (FIG. 6) having first and second levers extending therefrom which operate to open the clamp, and wherein the link is attached to one or both of the first and second levers (FIGS. 3, 4, 5).

9. A method of inhibiting marine growth on a propeller of a boat, the boat having a waterline, the propeller having blades with front and rear surfaces, comprising:

while the boat is in water, wrapping a flexible material 20 around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of the propeller and gathering the material so that the material substantially surrounds the propeller;

maintaining the flexible material in a gathered state with the aid of a fastening member 22 affixed to the flexible material (FIG. 4);

leading a link 24 having one end attached to at least one of the fastening member and the flexible material to a location at or above the waterline of the boat wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat (FIGS. 1, 7, 8);

wherein the link and fastening member are constructed and arranged wherein a tug on the link by the user releases gathered flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the line, and the fastening member and attached flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.

10. The method of clause 9, wherein the link comprises a flexible line and wherein the flexible line is led to a position above the waterline of the boat.

11. The method of clause 9, wherein the link comprises a length of webbing and wherein the webbing is led to a position above the waterline of the boat.

12. The method of clause 9, wherein the link comprises a rigid member and wherein the rigid member is led to a position substantially above the waterline of the boat.

13. The method of clause 9, wherein the flexible material comprises a material specifically designed and suited for application of antifouling paint.

14. The method of clause 9, wherein the maintaining step comprises clamping the flexible material with a C-shaped clamp having first and second levers extending therefrom which operate to open the clamp (FIG. 6), and wherein the link is attached to one or both of the first and second levers (FIG. 3, 4).

15. The method of clause 9, wherein the wrapping, maintaining and leading steps are performed by a diver.

16. A kit comprising a set of the underwater protective systems as recited in claim 1 constructed to fit different size propellers.

17. The kit of clause 16, wherein a first portion of the kit is designed to fit propellers having a diameter under 20 inches and second portion of the kit is designed to fit propellers having a diameter of at least 20 inches.

18. A protective system comprising a flexible material 30 adapted to surround an underwater component remote from the propeller (FIG. 9) and a link 34 extending from the flexible material to a location at or above the waterline of the boat where the link can be retrieved by a user.

19. The apparatus of clause 18, wherein the flexible material further comprises a clamp affixed to the flexible material and wherein the link is a attached to the clamp (FIG. 10).

20. The apparatus of clause 18, wherein the flexible material further comprises a rim and an elastomeric band in the rim enabling the flexible material to snugly envelop the component (FIG. 9A).

21. A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller 12 of a boat, the boat having a waterline, the propeller having two or more blades each having front and rear surfaces, comprising:

a flexible material 20 sized and shaped so as to be capable of being wrapped around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of the propeller and gathered so as to substantially surround propeller;

a fastening member 22 (e.g., clamp, clip, Velcro™, snaps, or other suitable fastener) affixed to the flexible material (FIG. 4) for maintaining the flexible material in the gathered state (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3); and

instructions for a user to attach one end of a link 24 to at least one of the fastening member and the flexible material, the link having sufficient length such that when the flexible material is gathered about the propeller and maintained in place with the fastening member, the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (e.g., the deck, transom or cockpit) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat whereby a tug on the link by the user releases the gathered flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, and the attached fastening member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.

Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments may be made without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. This true scope and spirit is to be arrived at by reference to the appended claims, interpreted in light of the foregoing specification. 

1. A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat, the boat having a waterline, the propeller having blades with front and rear surfaces, comprising: a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of being wrapped around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of the propeller and gathered so as to substantially surround the propeller; a member for maintaining the flexible material in the gathered state; and a link having one end attached to at least one of the member and the flexible material, the link having sufficient length such that when the flexible material is gathered about the propeller and maintained in place with the member the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat; wherein the link, flexible material and member are constructed and arranged wherein a tug on the link by the user releases the gathered flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, and the member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the link comprises a flexible line and wherein the flexible line is of sufficient length to extend from at least one of the member and the flexible material to a position on the deck of the boat.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the link comprises a length of webbing and wherein the webbing is of sufficient length to extend from at least one of the member and the flexible material to a position on the deck of the boat.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the link comprises a rigid member of sufficient length to extend from at least one of the member and the flexible material to a position substantially above the waterline of the boat.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible material comprises a material specifically designed and suited for application of antifouling paint.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising antifouling paint applied to the flexible material.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible material comprises first and second opposed panels of material each and first and second adjacent edges, the first and second adjacent edges being joined together; and wherein the first and second panels comprises a corner portion and wherein the member is affixed to the corner portion.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a clamp having first and second levers which operate to open the clamp, and wherein the link is attached to one or both of the first and second levers.
 9. A method of inhibiting marine growth on a propeller of a boat, the boat having a waterline, the propeller having two or more blades each having front and rear surfaces, comprising: while the boat is in water, wrapping a flexible material around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of the propeller and gathering the material so that the material substantially surrounds the propeller; maintaining the flexible material in the gathered state with the aid of a member; leading a link having one end attached to at least one of the member and the flexible material to a location at or above the waterline of the boat wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat; wherein the link, flexible material and member are constructed and arranged wherein a tug on the link by the user releases the gathered flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, and the member and attached flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the link comprises a flexible line and wherein the flexible line is led to a position above the waterline of the boat.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the link comprises a length of webbing and wherein the webbing is led to a position above the waterline of the boat.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the link comprises a rigid member and wherein the rigid member is led to a position substantially above the waterline of the boat.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the flexible material comprises a material specifically designed and suited for application of antifouling paint.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the maintaining step comprises clamping the flexible material with a clamp having first and second levers which operate to open and close the clamp, and wherein the link is attached to one or both of the first and second levers.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the wrapping, maintaining and leading steps are performed by a diver.
 16. A kit comprising a set of the underwater protective systems as recited in claim 1 designed to fit different size propellers.
 17. The kit of claim 16, wherein a first portion of the kit is designed to fit propellers having a diameter under 20 inches and second portion of the kit is designed to fit propellers having a diameter of at least 20 inches.
 18. Underwater protective apparatus, comprising a flexible material adapted to surround an underwater component of the boat remote from a propeller of the boat and a link extending from the flexible material to a location at or above the waterline of the boat where the second link can be retrieved by the user.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus further comprises a fastening member affixed to the flexible material and wherein the link is a attached to the fastening member.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the flexible material further comprises a rim and an elastomeric band in the rim enabling the flexible material to snugly envelop the component.
 21. A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat, the boat having a waterline, the propeller having blades with front and rear surfaces, comprising: a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of being wrapped around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of the propeller and gathered so as to substantially surround propeller; a member for maintaining the flexible material in the gathered state; and instructions for a user to attach one end of a link to at least one of the member and the flexible material, the link having sufficient length such that when the flexible material is gathered about the propeller and maintained in place with the member, the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat whereby a tug on the link by the user releases the gathered flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, the member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver. 